The ferry loomed ahead, its engines rumbling, and the distant call of seagulls filling the air. I felt the pull of anxiety tighten my chest. We were just barely on time, and missing this ferry wasn’t an option. Justin and I hurried toward the docks, following the fisherman who had guided us through the narrow paths of the port town.
“Here we are,” the fisherman said, his voice gruff but kind, stopping in front of the gangplank. His weathered face softened as he glanced back at me. “Made it just in time.”
I nodded, breathless, clutching the purse Luna Astrid had given me. I pulled out a few bills, offering them to the fisherman. “Thank you for everything. This should cover your time.”
He took the money, looking at it for a long moment. His eyes then flickered toward me and Justin, scanni
